MULTAN: The Multan–Sukkur Motorway (M-5) remained closed to traffic on Monday near Jalalpur Pirwala after floodwaters caused damage to the carriageway, officials said.
According to the Motorway Police, cracks have developed in parts of the road due to water flowing beneath it, prompting the authorities to shut down not only the M-5 but also the adjoining Uch Sharif highway.
Motorway Police spokesperson Syed Imran Ahmed said traffic is being diverted to alternate routes. Northbound vehicles are being redirected via Uch Sharif, Jhangra and Jalalpur interchanges, while southbound traffic is being routed through Shah Shams, Sher Shah and Shujabad South.
He added that motorway personnel are deployed on-site to assist drivers, with the SP Motorway Police also monitoring the situation.
On Sunday, the National Highway Authority (NHA) announced the closure of the motorway near Jalalpur Pirwala due to the threat of flooding. NHA sources said heavy erosion from floodwaters has raised fears of a possible breach.
Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Director General Irfan Ali Kathia confirmed the closure and said emergency measures are underway to stabilise the affected area.
